Course Descriptions

Early Childhood Education Courses

Faculty

Course Descriptions

ECE 300 Introduction to Early Childhood Education (3-0-3). Prerequisites: PSY 220; Prerequisite or Corequisite: EDB 200, EDB 301, EDB 302 (students must be officially admitted into EC program). This is a survey of major models and programs that educate young children and examination of the theories that provide the foundation for such programs. Attention is paid to the history of early childhood education and to current issues in the classroom and beyond. Return to top

ECE 401 Developmental Curriculum for Early Childhood Education (4-0-4). Prerequisites: EDB 200, EDB 301, EDB 302, and ECE 300. This is the study of curriculum development for educational settings that serve children from age 3 to age 8, including typically developing children, and children with mild and moderate disabilities. Attention is given to developmental considerations and national and state subject matter standards. It also coversdifferent curriculum theories and models as well as their implementation. Return to top

ECE 402 Teaching Methods in Early Childhood Education (4-0-4). Prerequisites: EDB 200, EDB 301, EDB 302, ECE 300, and ECE 401. Study of teaching methods for educational settings that serve children from age 3 to age 8. Attention is given to strategies for planning; organizing the learning environment; facilitating teacher-child interactions; guiding children's behavior; conducting lessons; assessing; care giving; supporting play; and addressing standards through integrated and emergent curriculum. It Field placement in an early childhood classroom for 2 hours per week the last 10 weeksof the semester is required. Return to top

ECE 403 Teaching Young Children with Mild and Moderate Disabilities (3-0-3). Prerequisites: EDB 200, EDB 301, EDB 302, and ECE 300. This is an introduction to educational issues related to working in regular early childhood settings with young children who have mild and moderate disabilities. Attention is given to characteristics, etiology, classification, and legal and interdisciplinary issues, as well as to curricular and pedagogical approaches for the inclusive classroom. Return to top

ECE 412 Collaboration with Families and Professionals in Early Childhood Settings (4-0-4). Prerequisites: EDB 200, EDB 301, EDB 302, ECE 300, and EDC 300. This course explores the relationships between early childhood professionals and families, as well as with other professionals. Strategies for communicating and collaborating with others and for fostering home-school connections are examined. History, philosophy, and issues related to collaboration and family involvement, including diversity, are discussed. Return to top

ECE 415 Mathematics Instruction in Preschool and the Primary Grades (3-0-3). Prerequisites: MTH 127, MTH 128, MTH 129, EDB 301, EDB 302 and either ECE 300 or ESE 400. This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to consider and evaluate the philosophy, principles, practices, and problems in preschool and primary grades with special focus on mathematics instruction. The students engage in mathematics activities as a basis for reflecting on learning and teaching mathematics that is culturally responsive. The students examine various facets which lead to making decisions with regard to a learning environment best adapted to the abilities and needs of the students as mathematics learners. Other areas of focus are integration of history, culture, and the appropriate use of technology in the teaching and learning of mathematics. Return to top

ECE 416 Social Studies Instruction in Preschool and the Primary Grades (3-0-3). Prerequisites: EDB 200, EDB 301, EDB 302, and EDC 300; also ECE 300 if seeking Early Childhood license. This course covers the objectives, principles, trends, materials and current practices for teaching social studies and fostering social development in early childhood education. This course focuses on developmentally appropriate content and strategies for introducing young children to the study of history, geography, economics, and other social sciences. Return to top

ECE 417 Science Instruction in Preschool and the Primary Grades (3-0-3). Prerequisites: EDB 200 , EDB 301, EDB 302 and either ECE 300 or ESE 400. This course examines the nature, scope, and role of science experiences in the learning and development of young children with emphasis given to a constructivist, inquiry-oriented approach consistent with national standards. Various activities, investigations, and discussions are drawn from physical, biological, and earth science. Return to top